ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 83, 5 October 1938, Page 10

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

"Hollywood Hotel."

Catchy songs, magnificent settings, two famous band organisations, a swiftly paced inside story of Hollywood life, a star-studded cast headed by Dick Powell and Louella O. Parsons, are s°me, of toe elements which make up Hollywood Hotel/ the musical comedy which opens on Friday at the St. James Theatre. Inclusion in the picture of an entire broadcast of the most famous of all U.S.A. air programmes—"Holly wood. Hotel"—meant adding enormously to the cost of a production. The result is a film which gives the audience double value in the loveliest and, .most tuneful picture of the year. Dick Powell in the best role of his career gives an endearing acting performance. Opposite him play two of the famous Lane sisters—Lola as a temperamental movie queen who refuses to appear at a premiere for her producer, and Rosemary as a little unknown waitress who ' is called in to double socially for the star. A stellar array of laugh-makers are at their rollicking best. Ted Healy as the freelance photographer who becomes Dick Powell's manager and Hugh Herbert as the befuddled father of the movie star give inimitable performances. Alan Mowbray playing the handsome leading man does it to any star's taste. Mabel Todd, Allyn Joslyn, and Johnnie Davies also give excellent performances. Benny Goodman and his famous swing band and Raymond Paige and his orchestra supply plenty of music.